Iconic actor Carl Weathers, renowned for his portrayal of Apollo Creed in the first four Rocky films and his roles in Predator, The Mandalorian, Happy Gilmore, Action Jackson, and numerous other cinematic gems, passed away on Tuesday, as announced by his family. He was 76.
In their statement, his family expressed profound sorrow, stating, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers. He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. … Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts, and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.”
Born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Weathers graced the screens for over five decades, leaving an enduring legacy in more than 75 films and TV shows. Notable among his recent endeavors was his portrayal in nine episodes of the Disney+ Star Wars series The Mandalorian across three seasons, alongside his voice performance as Combat Carl in Toy Story 4, for which he originated the character in the 2013 TV special Toy Story of Terror.
Weathers’ cinematic journey also included standout performances such as his lead role in the 1988 action-packed film Action Jackson and his memorable appearance opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1987 blockbuster Predator.
Yet, it was his portrayal of Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise that cemented his place in cinematic history. From his debut in 1976’s Rocky, where he granted the underdog boxer Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) a shot at the title, to his epic bouts in Rocky II (1979) and Rocky III (1982), culminating in his tragic demise at the hands of Ivan Drago in Rocky IV (1984), Weathers embodied the spirit of a champion.
Reflecting on his remarkable career, Weathers once remarked, “I’ve been fortunate. I’ve been able to work. I’ve had a lot of fun and there have been a lot of people that I’ve enjoyed working with.”
Carl Weathers will be remembered not only for his cinematic prowess but also for his warmth, talent, and the indelible impact he made on audiences worldwide.